Knowing What to Expect from a Tummy Tuck

An abdominoplasty is more commonly known as a tummy tuck. On Monday we talked about lower body lifts, which sometimes include tummy tucks. Today, we will break down this procedure.

A tummy tuck is a major surgical procedure in which the excess fat and skin that lies in the abdominal area

is removed and the muscular structure of the abdomen is restored to create a much firmer abdomen. This type of surgery is typically performed after a lot of alternative weight loss solutions are attempted. It is not a good idea to have a surgical procedure done in attempt to achieve significant weight loss. Instead, you should reach your desired weight loss through appropriate diet and exercise first. What remains, can then be repaired with the use of surgery. To get the best results from a tummy tuck, you should be certain that it is the right procedure for you and that you are an appropriate candidate.

There are many reasons to have a tummy tuck. The primary reason is loose and sagging skin around the midsection. One popular cause of loose and sagging skin in women is pregnancy. After a pregnancy, or many pregnancies, it is very common to have loose skin due to the stretching that occurs in the abdomen. Having a baby is no reason to live the rest of your life self-conscious about your stomach. With a tummy tuck, your excess fat and skin can be removed so you can continue your normal life. Sometimes, pregnancy also leaves us with a little extra pouch of fat in the abdominal region. In this situation, it is common to compound a tummy tuck procedure with liposuction.

The natural aging process also brings about a loss elasticity. Naturally, as we age, our skin gets much looser and sags. There is no way to avoid this, but luckily there are tummy tucks to fix it. A tummy tuck is 100% cosmetic and is only done if you have the personal desire to have a flatter and more toned stomach. The surgery is not necessarily permanent and a surgeon cannot guarantee that you will never develop loose skin or excess fat again. Aging will continue to take place, and your lifestyle could determine whether or not you continue to gain excess fat.

Your genetics can also be a determining factor in the development of unwanted excess fat and skin. In order to reduce your chances of having this occur, it is recommended that you adhere to a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and exercise. But, if the situation occurs, you can sleep well knowing that plastic surgery has the capacity to get you back into a bikini in a short time.

A Tummy Tuck Glossary

Abdominoplasty – the medical word for a tummy tuck

Hematoma – There is a risk of developing a hematoma after a tummy tuck; this is a medical word for a bruise, which technically means that blood begins pooling under the skin

Intravenous sedation or IV sedation – this is the route that the medication will be delivered prior to your procedure. This means “through your veins”.

Liposuction – A procedure that uses a vacuum to remove fat from under the skin; this is often a part of a tummy tuck procedure.

If you come across other terms that you do not understand, remember to ask your healthcare provider. Understanding your procedure is one key to ensuring a successful procedure that meets your expectations.